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12th June 2007

Desperate bid to trace co-workers of tragic victim of asbestos

Asbestos Cancer, Mesothelioma

Lawyers acting for the widow of an apprentice electrician who died a tragic and painful death from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma are desperate to trace his co-workers.

Reginald William Harding from Edgbaston, Birmingham, died in August 2005 aged 74. He was known as Bill or Billy to his work colleagues and worked for the following companies: Metropolitan Cammell Carriage and Wagon Company Limited/J.F. Stones Limited, Salty Birmingham from 1946 to 1949 and again from 1951 to 1952/53. Bill worked on the Queen Mother’s “white train” which was used by the Royal Family for their tour of South Africa in 1947.

It is believed that Mr Harding was exposed to asbestos dust and fibres which he would have inhaled in the course of his employment. It is understood that neither Mr Harding nor his colleagues were made aware by their employers of the dangers associated with asbestos.

Thompsons Solicitors, the national firm which specialises in asbestos-related diseases, needs to trace Mr Harding’s co-workers in order to get more details about the environment he worked in. Information from former workmates is needed to support a claim for compensation from the employer for the devastated family he has left behind.

Representing his widow Mrs Harding, Joanne Candlish from Thompsons Solicitors comments: “Mesothelioma is a terrible illness caused by employers’ disregard for their workers’ health and safety. Asbestos-related diseases will cause 10,000 deaths a year by 2010 and will be the biggest industrial killer of all time. It is important that we trace Bill’s co-workers, not because compensation will make up for his tragic death, but to ensure that those people who allowed him to work with asbestos pay for what they did. Mr Harding has left behind a devastated widow.”

If anybody recalls Bill Harding and worked with him at any of the companies listed, please contact Joanne Candlish as a matter of urgency on 0151 224 1644.

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or someone you know has developed an asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

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Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.